Although pregnancy and childbirth are one of the most beautiful and miraculous periods in a woman's life, they can cause some permanent changes in the body. At this point, mommy makeover, which has become increasingly popular worldwide and in our country in recent years, can offer a solution. Described as a combination of procedures like breast lift, tummy tuck, and liposuction, mommy makeover can help women regain confidence in their bodies, according to Plastic, Reconstructive, and Aesthetic Surgery Specialist, Dr. Mert Ersan. He explained that these procedures help women feel better both physically and mentally after giving birth. Our specialist also noted that the procedures do not have a negative effect on a woman's fertility, but timing is important..
What Does a Mommy Makeover Include?
Pregnancy and childbirth can leave physical marks such as sagging in the abdominal area, weight gain, stretch marks, and loss of volume in the breasts. In response to these concerns, the mommy makeover has been increasingly discussed, especially in recent years. Dr. Mert Ersan from Yeditepe University Kozyatağı Hospital's Plastic, Reconstructive, and Aesthetic Surgery Department provided important information on this topic. He explained that the mommy makeover is a combination of different aesthetic procedures, and that a thorough evaluation of a woman's needs and general health is essential before proceeding.
What Procedures Are Included in a Mommy Makeover?
The combination can include procedures for the breasts, abdomen, genital area, and liposuction, applied depending on the woman’s needs. Dr. Ersan continued: "After pregnancy and breastfeeding, the breasts are often the most deformed area in a woman’s body. Frequently referred to as ‘deflated’ breasts by the public, volume loss occurs. In such cases, if there is no sagging, breast augmentation surgery may be performed, or if there is sagging, breast augmentation combined with a breast lift may be necessary."
When Is a Mommy Makeover Necessary?
"Deformities can also occur in the abdomen and genital area after pregnancy and childbirth," says Dr. Ersan. "In the post-pregnancy period, the skin of the abdomen can sag, stretch marks can appear, or excess skin may develop. Particularly after a C-section, the skin in the abdominal area may gather. In such cases, a tummy tuck may also be included in the mommy makeover. Additionally, liposuction can be applied for fat increases in areas like the pubic region, hips, or waist. In the genital area, deformities can occur due to the widening of the vagina or changes in the labia, for which appropriate surgical solutions are available," he added.
When Can a Mommy Makeover Be Done After Childbirth?
Dr. Ersan emphasized that surgery should not be rushed: "The female body is full of miracles. Therefore, many deformities resolve on their own after childbirth. Patience is essential. Even if a procedure is considered, we recommend waiting at least one year after giving birth. If the woman is breastfeeding, it is better to wait a year after breastfeeding ends."
Is It Possible to Get Pregnant Again After a Mommy Makeover?
Dr. Ersan stressed the importance of adopting a healthy lifestyle and reaching an ideal weight before undergoing a mommy makeover, noting that the procedures do not negatively affect fertility. "Once the required waiting period has passed, the ideal weight has been reached, we are regularly exercising, and we are eating healthily, yet the deformities persist, we then recommend a mommy makeover. However, it’s important to first establish a healthy lifestyle. These surgeries do not harm a woman’s fertility. However, since the surgeries are aimed at correcting the deformities caused by pregnancy, if you become pregnant again, the breasts may become deformed, the abdomen may sag, and genital problems may occur again. Therefore, to achieve more permanent results, we generally recommend these surgeries to women who have completed their pregnancy and breastfeeding periods and do not plan to have more children."
Recovery Time After a Mommy Makeover Surgery
Dr. Ersan mentioned that performing multiple aesthetic procedures in a single surgery is advantageous for the patient and also provided information about the recovery process after aesthetic surgeries: "A combined procedure usually requires a 1-2 day hospital stay. The first few days after surgery can be difficult due to the anesthesia, which can cause fatigue, dizziness, nausea, and vomiting, but a rapid recovery process begins after the third day. The patient can return to their normal activities after the first week, but full recovery may take up to six weeks. Although the decision to undergo surgery is not easy for the patient, combining procedures in a single surgery allows them to address many deformities at once. However, since this extends the surgery time, the recovery period can be a bit more challenging."
Who Is a Candidate for a Mommy Makeover?
Lastly, Dr. Ersan noted that combined aesthetic surgeries are not suitable for every patient and emphasized the importance of selecting the right candidate. He explained that factors like the patient's overall health, smoking habits, and the presence of any additional diseases can increase the risks of surgery. "Combined surgeries are not suitable for every patient. We need to consider factors such as the patient’s overall health and smoking habits when deciding on surgery. Prolonging surgery increases risks such as blood clots, so we need to be particularly careful with patients who smoke. Quitting smoking is crucial for a smooth recovery after surgery, as nicotine affects the blood vessels, impairs blood flow, and makes wound healing difficult. Obesity also negatively impacts the recovery process. Therefore, it is very important to reach an ideal weight and maintain a healthy diet before surgery."
